[GLOBAL ECONOMIC TIMES]  In order to stabilize the recently soaring prices of cabbage, the government has begun importing cabbage from China. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 26th that the first batch of 16 tons of Chinese cabbage had arrived in Korea, and that additional imports would be considered in the future considering domestic cabbage production and the situation in China.

This is the fifth Chinese cabbage import since 2010, and the government is encouraging private imports by lowering the cabbage import tariff from 27% to 0%.

Due to the heat wave that lasted until mid-September this year, summer cabbage production decreased significantly, and a supply shortage was expected until November, the kimchi season. Accordingly, the price of cabbage has soared, and the average price of one head is currently approaching 10,000 won. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation (aT), the average retail price of cabbage as of the 26th was 9,680 won, up 35.7% from the previous month and 56.3% from the previous year.

In addition to importing Chinese cabbage, the government is closely monitoring the market situation, considering that cabbage growth has recovered somewhat as temperatures have recently dropped. In addition, we are also taking into account the fact that after Chuseok, the consumption of cabbage by general households is decreasing, and consumption is centered on regular customers such as restaurants and kimchi companies.

Experts are offering various opinions on the government's decision to import Chinese cabbage. Although some are concerned about the damage to domestic farmers, most agree that this is an inevitable measure to stabilize cabbage prices.

The government's import of Chinese cabbage is an urgent measure to stabilize soaring cabbage prices. However, further discussion is needed on the impact of this measure on domestic farmers and the long-term market stabilization effect.